By Emmanuel Edukugho
The first batch of laptops specifically designed for pupils in the world has arrived in Nigeria.
Under a scheme known as one-laptop-per-child (OLPC), the vision of an American, Nicholas Negroponte, who sponsored the production of the laptops to be distributed free to primary school children in developed and developing countries to enhance learning, the first beneficiaries are pupils of Kingdom Heritage Model School, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.
The no fewer than 100 laptops were commissioned and dedicated at a brief ceremony in the Youth Chapel, Covenant University, Ota, yesterday.
Nigeria is the first country in the West African sub-region to receive the children laptops, which so far are for private schools since the Federal Government cancelled the initiative that would have made public primary schools benefit from the project.
Two representatives of the US-based OLPC, founded by Negroponte, brought the laptops and presented them to the school.
Nigerian-born Miss Ada Inyama and Mr. Sam Ade Jacobs made the presentation at the ceremony attended by pupils, teachers and headteacher of Living Faith Church Worldwide-owned Kingdom Heritage Model School.
Inyama said the laptops are free under a formal arrangement after an institution should have been selected.
According to her, it will cost $200 (N33,000) per unit for parents who may want to buy to defray freight charges and custom dues demanded by the Nigerian government, even when the custom officials were told the items were for school children but still declined to waive payment.
“With one laptop per child, we expect to have full saturation for all the pupils. It can be embraced at national level, like in Rwanda, Uruguay and some other countries where the governments are paying. In Nigeria, it’s a challenge. Somebody has to pay for it.”
She said that with all the activities that the laptop can perform and the softwares, internet connectivity, servers, it is very cheap. “By 2010, the cost may come down to $75.”
Pastor Williams, Chairman of the Local School Board who commissioned and dedicated the laptops to the excitement of the children in primary four who are the first beneficiaries, described the presentation as “a great blessing from God.”
He said that the wisdom of dedication is keeping in God’s hands, what we (people) cannot keep.
“God packaged knowledge in these little things to aid learning,” he said, “children, these are your laptops. They are beautiful. Praise the Lord.”
The delighted and happy school children were asked to come out to have handshake with Ada Inyama and Sam Jacob before taking possession of the laptops.
“Thank you sir and ma,” the children chorused.
Head Teacher, Kingdom Heritage Model School, Deacon Williams Olurinde, told Vanguard after the brief unique ceremony, that he felt happy and honoured, as only three schools out of several others in the country were picked — in Minna, Ibadan and Lagos.
He promised that the laptops will be put to use very well, and properly kept as parents will sign undertaking to ensure safe keeping when they are taken home for assignments.
Introducing The Reading Game. http://www.learntoreadfree.com
Family Literacy Groups is introducing a comprehensive online program designed for brand new readers. The lessons are interactive, phonics-based, public school proven, fun for kids and free. It is not a demo or a trial subscription. The Reading Game is the brainchild of the creative team at Family Literacy Groups, a 501c organization dedicated to helping children learn to read.
The creative team at Family Literacy Groups transformed the Phoenix Reading System used in more than 6,000 schools, into a 21st Century learning tool. In addition to learning basic words, children also learn some basic computer navigation skills.
The Reading Game consists of 44 short lessons introducing a child’s first 55 reading words. Following each lesson, the child plays various games to reinforce the words taught in the lesson. The lessons and games feature child-appealing repetition which reinforces the learning process. The program also contains a “report card” to monitor achievement.
Approximately 72,000 children have played the game so far. Based on that, Reading Game creators estimate the game can easily be completed within 6 months although some children will sail through much more quickly. Family Literacy Group offers to find extra help for parents and teachers of children who are having problems finishing the lessons.
The Reading Game provides students with basic skills and confidence that has launched thousands of students on a lifetime of reading success.
http://www.learntoreadfree.com is a FREE site and participation is encouraged for preschoolers as well as kindergarten, first graders, and older children who need remedial help.
Buttons are available to direct traffic to The Reading Game website. Printable posters are also offered for download. Schools, educators, libraries, newspaper and others are urged to post buttons on websites and posters on bulletin boards. http://www.learntoreadfree.com/posters.
Family Literacy Groups does not sell or distribute participant information to third parties. Any information collected is strictly confidential.
Press Release
Contact: R. D. Korngold
914.472.9849
Veegee6@verizon.net
Concerning the less priviledged children, the acronymn OLPC stands for One Laptop Per Child regardless of your socio-economic status. Remember though that someone has to pay for these devices and that is where the Nigerian government needs to step in.
Thanks to Mr. Negroponte of US, our govt are very keen about this but unfortunately if they would approve of this, it will end up only in the warehouse of the ministry concerned for distribution and used as income yielding incentives, the rest they will share to their children, relatives and friends, the poor ones can never lay a hand on it or dream of having them, its better the way it has been approved to missionary schools in the country, until our leaders are ready to change by being patriotic citizens themselves.
It’s a good scheme but what about the less privilage pupils?
which children gets them first cos one hunred are not enough for all the pupil.i hope its gets to the best pupils who can utilizes it well and not teachers children and teacher uncles and freinds friends children.thank you olpc.